I would be remiss if I did not mention that all AoIRers (and other interested parties) are of course invited to attend the internet research lecture at the National Communication Association convention in Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 9:30am-10:45am, at the Palmer House, Salon 7, by Dan Hess, former VP at Tribune Interactive and Senior VP at comScore. An abstract of his talk is below. The lecture is sponsored by the Carl Couch Center for Social and Internet Research and the Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction. I'll hope to see you there. Thanks, Sj ------------ Title: Internet-Based Research: Past, Present and Future Abstract: The Internet has had a dramatic impact on the ability to understand the behavior, attitudes and perceptions of consumers. The omnipresent nature of the Web enables research on any level -- from global to hyperlocal, from actively self-reported responses to passive, real time measurement. Whether in marketing, media, academia, politics, government or elsewhere, every research practitioner has been somehow touched by the capabilities that the Internet has brought to bear. In this session, Dan Hess will examine the roots and evolution of research on the Internet, the current state and applications of the industry, and emerging technologies such as those used to analyze social trends and tonality of online community discussions. Hess will also review opportunities for academic and commercial researchers to increase their interaction around Internet research, to the benefit of both parties.